Is BDSM Really Rare — Or Just Rarely Talked About?

Nearly half of all adults surveyed in Belgium said they've tried a BDSM-related activity at least once. In this large study of over 1,000 people representing the general population, 46.8% had practiced something like bondage, spanking, or role-play, and another 22% had fantasized about it without acting on it. Only about 31% said BDSM held zero interest for them at all.

The most popular activities weren't extreme. Being tied up, blindfolded, or teased with ice cubes topped the list, each tried by roughly one in five people. Very few who tried these things said they disliked them. Men showed more interest than women overall, especially in fetishes and visual play, while interest dropped somewhat in adults over 48.

One especially interesting finding: people drawn to a dominant role were just as likely to enjoy the submissive role too. Most people who identified with BDSM said they realized this about themselves before age 25.

The researchers argue this is more like an ordinary part of human sexuality than something abnormal — and that has real implications for how society, and even mental health professionals, choose to view it.

Can a Medication for Overactive Bladder Actually Be Gentler on Your Body?

If you've ever dealt with overactive bladder, you know the frustration of constant bathroom trips and leaks. This study looked at over 11,000 patients across 10 clinical trials to compare mirabegron (brand name Myrbetriq) against older bladder medications called antimuscarinics, plus a placebo. Everyone in the study improved somewhat, but the real story is in the side effects and who benefits most.

Mirabegron caused far less dry mouth than the older drugs, only 2.7% of patients versus 8.7% on antimuscarinics. Drug-related side effects overall were also lower with mirabegron, 17% compared to 21.4%. Both types of medication worked well at reducing bathroom trips, urgency, and nighttime waking, but mirabegron stood out for one group in particular: adults 75 and older.

Why does this matter? Older adults are more likely to already deal with constipation, and antimuscarinics tend to make that worse the older you get. Mirabegron didn't show that same pattern, making it a gentler option for seniors who need bladder relief without adding new digestive troubles. Women and older patients also tended to see slightly bigger improvements from treatment than men and younger patients.

Choosing the right medication can mean the difference between sticking with treatment long-term or quitting due to unpleasant side effects.

This week, someone asked me, “hello doc i have curved penis so which position is better to have sex?”. If your penis is curved, the best position really depends on the direction and severity of the curve, as well as what feels comfortable for both you and your partner. In general, positions that allow you to control the depth and angle of penetration are often the most comfortable and can reduce pain or bending. If the curvature is mild and not causing pain, many couples are able to have satisfying sex with a little experimentation. However, if the curve is significant, painful, or making intercourse difficult, it’s worth seeing a urologist because it could be Peyronie's disease, which has effective treatment options. The goal is comfortable, enjoyable intimacy—not forcing a position that causes discomfort.

I love hearing from you, so if there’s a question you’ve been wanting to ask, just let me know. Who knows? Your question might be the one I dive into next!

Did my first workout this week! Super excited to be getting back into the swing of things. Radiation started this week so a little nervous about that but overall staying positive. Hope you are all having a lovely summer and make sure to call, hug or spend time with your loved ones as much as possible!

I dove into a topic I get asked about constantly: does penis size really matter—and what do women actually want? "Sexual communication is the strongest predictor of sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction."

Here are some quick takeaways

Remember, confidence and being present with your partner matter way more than numbers. If this is something stressing you out, talking it over—either with your partner or a pro—can really help.

Check out the episode for a deeper look and some real talk on how to boost satisfaction for both of you!

I had a really eye-opening discussion about male fertility with Dr. Helen Bernie, Dr. James Smith, and Dr. Michael Eisenberg. If you’ve ever wondered about lifestyle myths, testosterone, or what actually impacts sperm health, this episode is for you! Dr. Helen Bernie made it crystal clear: “There are some real changes that we're seeing for the worse, at least when we kind of look at male fertility.”

Here are the top takeaways:

There’s so much practical advice in here—highly recommend tuning in! So listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here and see why people are commenting, “Very Interesting very helpful this podcast”.

Think oral health is just about your teeth? Check out my new Substack: Why Your Mouth is the Gatekeeper to Sexual Health, Longevity, and Your Underlying Disease.

In this article, I explore the surprising connection between your oral health, sexual function, heart health, and hormones—and why some everyday dental habits may be doing more harm than good.